Verdict: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who will turn their attention back to La Liga duties on Saturday night, Real Madrid will travel to Castellon when they meet Villarreal.
Villarreal
Starting with the hosts, while Villarreal might open this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position, the Yellow Submarine find themselves at the heart of a recent rut. Suffering another public Champions League collapse earlier in the week as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss at home against Ajax, Marcelino’s men will be bracing themselves for another monumental challenge here. Likewise, last seen in La Liga action slumping to a 2-0 defeat away at Real Betis, Villarreal have lost five of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Likewise, watching their Copa del Rey adventure come to a shock end on December 17th as they were hit with a 2-1 loss away at Segunda outfit Racing Santander, Saturday’s hosts have also lost three of their last four showdowns in Castellon.
Villarreal Team News
All still dealing with respective knee injuries, Villarreal will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Argentinian youngster Thiago Fernandez. However, bagging the winner as Senegal were crowned AFCON champions last weekend, Papa Gueye will make a first La Liga appearance since the end of November.
Completing a summer switch from Lyon and notching five domestic strikes this season, Georgian international Georges Mikautadze should be handed a full recall. Likewise, fellow new recruit and ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will start in the middle of the park this weekend.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, watching Xabi Alonso leave the Bernabeu earlier in the month, Real Madrid have certainly been enduring a turbulent time. However, despite watching their Copa del Rey adventure come to an infamous end on January 14th as they slumped to a 3-2 loss away at Segunda outfit Albacete, Los Blancos have come roaring back. Putting in a rampant Champions League performance earlier in the week as they stormed their way to an empathic 6-1 victory at home against Monaco, interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Knowing that they can leapfrog arch-rivals Barcelona and skyrocket their way to the top of the La Liga table, Real Madrid should be smelling a real opportunity when they travel to Castellon this weekend.
Real Madrid Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury defensive injury list, Real Madrid will once again be without the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and England international Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, serving a one-match Champions League suspension earlier in the week, summer recruit and ex-Benfica starlet Alvaro Carreras could be handed a full recall.
Bagging a European brace on Tuesday night and breaking a string of records this season, French skipper Kylian Mbappe will lead the line here. Despite some recent speculation over his long-term future in the Spanish capital, former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen should keep his spot at the back.
Villarreal vs Real Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When Villarreal and Real Madrid met for their reverse La Liga showdown on October 4th, Los Blancos collected a 3-1 victory in the Spanish capital.
- Madrid have won each of their previous three straight meetings against the Yellow Submarine across all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-2.
- Villarreal have lost five of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
- Saturday’s hosts have also lost three of their last four showdowns in front of their own supporters.
- French skipper Kylian Mbappe has notched 19 goals in as many La Liga appearances so far this season.
Conclusion
Storming their way to an empathic 6-1 romp at home against Monaco earlier in the week, Real Madrid will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Knowing that they can skyrocket their way to the top of the La Liga table and leapfrog their arch-rivals, Los Blancos should be smelling a real opportunity when they travel to Castellon this weekend. Landing a 3-1 victory when they welcomed Villarreal to the Spanish capital for their reverse top-flight battle on October 4th, Madrid do hold a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. Winning each of their last three meetings against the Yellow Submarine by an aggregate score of 7-2, the title contenders have also suffered just a single defeat in Castellon since way back in December 2015.
Verdict: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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